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In a nerve-racking match-up in Group A of the AFC Asian qualifiers, Iran have claimed a dramatic 2-1 away-win over Lebanon to stay well-on-course for a 6th appearance at the World Cup.

Iran fell behind in the 37th minute, when a long-cross somehow found its way to Soony Saad at the far post, and he calmly beat Alireza Beiranvand from a tight angle.

Lebanon looked set to hold on for a crucial win, but that prospect came crashing down in the first minute of stoppage time, when Sardar Azmoun applied a trademark finish to level the match.

And four minutes later, Ahmad Nourollahi completed the comeback by smashing his drive-home from the edge of the box.

It was a remarkable escape for the 5-time World Cup qualifiers, who remain on top of Group A with 13 points, while putting an end to Lebanon’s 12 game unbeaten run at home.